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Old 06-22-2017, 08:10 PM
Bill R Bill R is offline
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Transceiver recomendations

I am in the process of replacing the radio equipment that I lost in the fire earlier this year. I have a Yaesu FT-980 HF transceiver, but what I am looking for now is recommendations on a not wildly expensive VHF/UHF all mode base radio. I would like to have a tone board for repeater use. I also need to find things like antenna tuners and possibly a power supply. Also if you have any input on a replacement handheld dual band radio. I have been looking at the Yaesu FT-65, but would look at others. Mainly looking at Yaesu, Kenwood, or Icom equipment.
Thanks,
BIll
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Old 06-23-2017, 08:20 AM
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David Thomas
 
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The Yaesu 991 is a great all-in-one transceiver. HF, 2, 6, and 440 bands that will do all modes (including Yaesu Fusion digital) and a built-in antenna tuner. I know guys with that rig, and they love them.

If you want to do 2 meters and 440 separate, save money with the Yaesu 450D. I've got that one, and it's been great. All mode HF and 6 meters with a built-in tuner.
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Old 06-23-2017, 03:10 PM
Bill R Bill R is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davet753 View Post
The Yaesu 991 is a great all-in-one transceiver. HF, 2, 6, and 440 bands that will do all modes (including Yaesu Fusion digital) and a built-in antenna tuner. I know guys with that rig, and they love them.

If you want to do 2 meters and 440 separate, save money with the Yaesu 450D. I've got that one, and it's been great. All mode HF and 6 meters with a built-in tuner.
I am looking to do 2 meter and 440 separately from HF. I already have the Yaesu ft-980 for HF. I will need to add a tuner for it though.
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Old 06-23-2017, 05:14 PM
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Ed in Tx Ed in Tx is offline
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Kenwood TS-790a.... Icom IC-910H. Oh you said "not wildly expensive". Good luck on that!

What is "expensive"? I doubt you can find a dual band all-mode base radio under $500.

I own an Icom IC-706 Mk IIG which of course is HF too, but its main purpose is an all-mode VHF-UHF radio. For HF I have an Icom IC-765.
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Old 06-23-2017, 06:11 PM
Bill R Bill R is offline
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Expensive meaning I am not looking at $1000 and up radios. $400 to $700 maybe.
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Old 06-23-2017, 06:31 PM
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davet753 davet753 is offline
David Thomas
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill R View Post
I am looking to do 2 meter and 440 separately from HF. I already have the Yaesu ft-980 for HF. I will need to add a tuner for it though.
The FT450D's aren't on sale now, so they'll cost you $779. I paid over $100 less for mine a couple years ago, but it was after a $100 Christmas rebate. The 450D isn't a top of the line model, but it does have more features than most HF/6 meter rigs in the under $1000 category. The built-in tuner works great, as long as you just need some fine-tuning to get things down to 1:1. You're not going to be tuning up a piece of gutter and downspout with it, but it will bring a 3:1 SWR ratio down to where the radio sees 1:1. The DSP features are handy, and it has a good roofing filter.

I've been thinking about a Yaesu FTDX1200, which are on sale for $1039. I've heard several on the air, and all the guys I've talked to that have them love them.
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Old 06-23-2017, 08:29 PM
Bill R Bill R is offline
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I am not looking for HF, only VHF/UHF. I already have HF covered.
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Old 06-23-2017, 08:33 PM
Bill R Bill R is offline
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I have been looking at Yaesu FT736, Kenwood TS790a, and Icom IC910h.
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Old 08-21-2017, 08:04 PM
Bill R Bill R is offline
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Well problem solved. I passed my extra exam last Saturday at the Huntsville Hamfest, and promptly purchased a new Icom 7100. I also bought a new handheld Yaesu FT60r. Got to celebrate somehow. Actually the 7100 with a $200 mail in rebate was only $750 which made it a no brainer. A used VHF/UHF rig was going to cost $600 or more. So even if I do not use the HF it is still a good deal for what I want to do. If I like the HF as well, I may sell the FT980, or keep it as a back up rig.
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